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World Book Night: Reading connects a nation in lockdown, says new survey by The Reading Agency

Nearly 1 in 3 (31%) of people are reading more during lockdown

Particular spike among young people (18-24) where almost half (45%) are reading more than before lockdown

7 in 10 have been reading fiction

Crime and Classics very popular categories

Books about fictional epidemics including The Plague by Albert Camus and The Viral Stormby Nathan D. Wolfe (up 1393.2%) are seeing huge sales

Survey results by The Reading Agency to mark World Book Night, celebration of books and reading

London. 23 April 2020. The Reading Agency has revealed that the nation is reading more during lockdown with 1 in 3 adults reading more, rising to almost one in two (45%) 18-24 year olds.

Announced on World Book Night, the annual celebration of reading, The Reading Agency is pleased that the survey shows in these difficult times that more people are enjoying the pleasure of a book – in print, in e or in audio.

31% of UK people surveyed (Populus Omnibus survey, 15-16 April, sample 2,103) were reading more since the lockdown began, 51% surveyed said they their reading habits hadn’t changed, and only 3% were reading less.

Many people cited reading as a form of release, escapism or distraction and many people also said that having more time was the key driver for increased reading during the lockdown.

Debbie Hicks, The Reading Agency, said:

“This year’s World Book Night celebrations provides the perfect opportunity to showcase the proven power of reading to connect people through reading. Never has this connectivity been needed more than at this anxious time of social distancing. Talking about reading and sharing book recommendations on April 23 as part of #Reading Hour will bring individuals, friends and families together to connect a nation in self isolation, whilst also stimulating learning and creativity and providing escapism and relief.”

Responses from people surveyed included:

“I can lose myself in a book and it sort of keeps me company as my partner and I live in different places and we have to be on lock down in our own homes many miles apart.”

Female, 75

“It has been something I have gotten into, wanting to read on for excitement. It passes the time and I’m learning new things.”

Female, 20

“It takes me to another, better place & allows me to escape the current situation for a while.”

Female, 67

Other stats revealed include:

65+ were the most likely to say reading was beneficial for them (56%)

Regionally, respondents in Northern Ireland were most likely to say they are reading more since the lockdown began – 39% reading more, followed by:

London – 34% reading more

Scotland – 30% reading more

North East – 33% reading more

Wales – 31% reading more

East Midlands – 31% reading more

South East – 32% reading more

East – 30% reading more

Yorkshire & Humberside – 27% reading more

Genres being read:

The survey showed that people indicated they were reading the same genres as previously, just increasing amount of books.